Joe Biden’s newly-announced national monument near the Grand Canyon has been welcomed by environmentalists and tribal groups as a much-needed protection of one of the United States’ natural gems. The declaration of the new Wildlife Conservation and Threatened and Endangered Animals Protection Monument covers 1.7 million acres of public land, and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has also announced a halt to the sale of new uranium mining claims in the area.
The policy reversal comes after years of advocacy by environmental groups and members of the Native American community, who argued that uranium mining had devastating effects on the environment and posed a danger to nearby communities. Despite the positive news, however, many are concerned that the designated area may not be enough to adequately protect the Grand Canyon.
Uranium mining can have serious environmental consequences. Additionally, the risk of uranium pollution can extend well beyond the borders of the immediate vicinity. All forms of mining can cause serious damage to land, water and air, both directly and indirectly. Along with sulfur and nitrogen dioxide, uranium is one of the key pollutants associated with coal-fired power plants.
While Biden’s move to designate a new national monument is an important step in the right direction, it may not be enough to prevent further uranium mining. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the area around the Grand Canyon contains a large amount of uranium, as well as other minerals.
Many mining companies hold existing rights to mine for uranium in the area, and the current moratorium does not affect these claims. There are also concerns that future governments could reverse the new rule. Instead, environmental groups have argued that legislation should be passed to permanently protect the region from uranium mining.
In addition to a blanket ban on uranium mining, activists have called for tribal communities to be recognized as legitimate stakeholders in the management of the area. The Grand Canyon is an iconic landmark, and it is an essential resource for nearby communities, who rely on its natural beauty for tourism and cultural activities.
For now, Biden’s new monument is an important victory for those who wish to protect this precious natural heritage. But more still needs to be done to make sure that uranium mining does not occur in the region in the future.